Toowoomba umpire takes out prestigious honour

ALEISHA Neumann has capped off a memorable 2019 with the newest accolade to add to her collection.

Aleisha Neumann. Photo: Nev Madsen

HOCKEY: Toowoomba’s Aleisha Neumann had a 2019 to remember as both a player and an umpire, and our golden girl has secured another accolade.

Neumann was recently named as Hockey Queensland’s umpire of the year, recognising her achievements over the past 12 months.

Neumann, who was meant to be preparing to umpire at the Olympic Games in Tokyo before a postponement due to coronavirus, also represented the Brisbane Blaze in the inaugural Hockey 1 competition.

It came after she played a key role in helping Rangeville to a third-straight Toowoomba Hockey A1 women’s title.

As well as being selected as an Olympic official, she also served as a Hockey Queensland committee member and mentor, officiating in the China vs Beligum Olympic qualifier and earning a spot in the inaugural FIH League umpiring panel.

Accepting the honour via video call, Neumann said that while it was a jam-packed year, she was looking forward to what the future holds.

“It was a very busy year last year. By the end of the year I had covered seven countries on three different continents,” Neumann said.

“In comparison to this year, it’s so contrasting. While COVID has been a bit annoying, I've really enjoyed the break.

“I’ve missed out on a trip to America and a trip to China this year, and obviously the delay of the Olympics is the biggest disappointment.

‘But there is the excitement that it is still going ahead and I will have an opportunity to be a part of it.

“I really enjoyed 2019.”

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